Nautical indicating device.



Y J. n. STANNARD.

NAUTICAL INDIGATING DEVICE.

APPLIoA'rIoN Hmm rms. 25, 1901.`

v 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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I PATENTED SEPT. a, 1907.

J. DFSTANNARD.

NAUTIGAL INDICATING DEVICE.

ArPLIoATIoN rILnD rms. sa, 1907.

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Ulll/ No. 865,278. PATENTED SEPT. 3. l1907.

` J. D. STANNARD.

NAUTIGAL INDICATING DEVICE.

APPLIUATION FILED FEB. 25, 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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JAY D. STANNARD, OF PI;I(ENIX, ARIZONA TERRITORY.

NAUTICAL INDICATING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 3,' 1907.

spplnntinn sind rnbnnn'ny 25,1907.. senin No. 359.191'.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAY D. STANNARD, a citizen oi the United States of America, residing at Phoenix, in the county of Maricopa and Territory of Arizona, vhave invented new and useful Improvements in Nautical Indicating Devices, of which the following is a specificay tion.

This invention relates to a nautical indicating device by-which the position of a vessel at any time in its course or location on the earths surface may be'de- -termined with approximate accuracy without the necessity of making the usual observations and calculations, the object ofthe invention being yto provide a' device oi. this character which will `read suiciently accilrate for all practical purposes and will be of value at times when observations cannot be made.

A nautical indicating device constructed in-accord-V ance with my invention in its preferred embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a sectional plan view showing the rings fof the instrument disposed in a common plane to better illustrate 'certain fentures, including the electrical l connections to the g'yroscope motor.` Fig. 2,is a View 'in elevation with parts lin vertical section, the plane of fsection beingat lrightangles to the supporting trungearingI of the gyroscopes. Fig. 4 is a sectional -view of nions of the instrument. Fig. 3 is a view of the drive one of thel trunnion brackets. Fig. 5 is a detail viewl y of one of the combined coupling and bearing brackets.

Fig. 6 is an elevationof the means for indicating the longitude. Fig. 7 is a section on 'line 7-7 rof Fig. 6.

- d, d carried ,by an outer or main horizontal ring E which forms-aV support for the elementsthus far de- Fig. 8 is an 'elevatiolroi the means for indicating Athe latitude. 9 is a view 0f themeans for indicating the'bearing of the ship.

Referring tofthe drawings, A designates an inner 4frame constituting-inthe operation of the device a' relatively stationary indicating member, said trame- `preferably comprising a series of three rings A', A2 and A3, arranged in planes mutually perpendicular to 'each other and connected in any suitable manner. 1 s shown, the ring A is provided at diametrically opjposite'. ,withr trun'nions a, a, by which the frame:

'is mnntiziofmminin nninnen ning B. The n'ng B is injurulprowided with trunnions b, b at right angles to axisvaQa moimted to rotate on an innerver'ti'cal ring 'whereby said ring B is adapted to swing on a horizontal1-aris. The inner vertical ring C turns onl i'rerticall vc c on an outervertical ring D, 4rom'th hase of which is suspended a weight D actthe action of gravity-irrespectiveof the motions ofthe veel on thev device'is used. The outer vrtical` ring is journaled `on horizontal trunnion bearings ing to normally maintain it in a vertical position byv scribed. The ring E is provided atright angles to the bearings d, d with trunnions. e, e adapted to rest in suitable bearings e, e in a suitable casing or support upon the ship. v

The several rings maybe of solid or sectional construction, but it is preferred to construct the rings C and D in four sections or quadrants C and D,respectively, coupled at their ends by pairs of brackets F, F of the construction shown in detail in' Figs, 4 and 5. .The

brackets F carry ythe trunnions of their respective rings, while the brackets F havebearing openings f, and t'orm bearings for the coperating trunnions, it being understood that the trunnions b, b of ring'B are journaled in the bearing brackets F of ring 1C, while the trunnions c, c carried by the brackets F of ring O are journaled in the bearings F of ring D, and that the trunnions d, d of the bearing brackets'F of the latter are journaled in suitable` bearing openings in the outer mami-ring E. The brackets F, F are provided with end receiving slots f for the reception of the ends of the adjacentpring' sections or quadrants, which are secured thereto'by rivets or other suitable fastenings passing through opening fl in the walls of the slots. The trunnions of the several rings are hollow for the' passage of electrical conductors of a gyroscopic drivingV mechanism, as hereinafter described. j A

The frame Aconstitutemas stated, one of the indicating members of the instrument, and is freely adjustable on its trunnions a at` so thatthe latter ma'y be placed I prises a gyroscopic mechanism supported by the same f y 1n conjunction with an inner supporting frame similar in construction to said frame A. As shown in detail in Fig. 3, the inner 4supporting frame is formed of rings a, a2, a3 arranged in planes mutually Aperpendicular to each other and each in the plane of the correspondingY ring of the frame A, said inner supporting frame being v rigidlyftied and connected with the frame A by spokes or braces a4. Journaled in said inner supporting frame is a series 4of six shafts g', g, g2, etc., each carrying a wheel or gyroscope h and a beveled friction wheel or A disk h, the said friction disks of the shafts being arranged for dri-ving contact-with friction drive' disks hV2 mounted on the armature shaft H of. an electric motor H2 of suitable construction arranged within the inner supporting frame. The wheels h2 are feathered for rotation vwith and sliding motion on. the armature shaft andare norinally pressed in contact with the disks h by pressure -springs h3 adjustable totregulate'their pressure by mums of nuts h" threaded on the armature shaft, which latter is journaled for rotation in the supporting frame 'in -any preferred' manner. The rings vof the supporting frame form supports for the field magnets of the motor, and the springs h3 are provided not only .to secure the proper amount of pressure of the drive disks on'the disks of the gyroscope shaft, but also Ato slightly shift the armature shaft to adjust the center of gravity of the instrument to the center of the trunnion a, a and b, Ii.

It isv well known that the tendency of a rapidly revolving wheel or sphere is Ato maintain itself in the plane of its rotation.'- If no other forces are acting upon it, it will retain its position as long as the rotation is continued. The eiects of the wheels or gyroscopes h revolving in planes at right angles to arch other is to maintain the frame A in the position in which it is set. Hence if the axis a, a of the frame is placed parallel to the earth s axis and motion communicated to the wheels or gyroscope,`the saidaxis a, a would be maintained parallel to the earth s axisso long as the motion of the gyroscopesis maintained, irrespectiveof the motion of the vessel on which the Jindicating'device is The electrical connections for driving the motor' Hz inay be of any preferred constrdction and arrangement, and primary batteries may be the source of velectrical energy. Y The' electrical feed and return wires extend throughcvthe trunnions of'the rings to and from the motor, the trunnions being hollow or tubular for this purpose, as shown in detail in Fig. 4.

It will be observed by reference to this view that a bore or 'i is'providedwhich extends through the bracket 'F and part way into the trunnion c, and communicates. with anenlargedf. m.; L or chamber i romarin the um nd of the nmgwhich chamber is closed at its outer endby a perforated threaded plug or 'nut vi2. I A t the inner en d ofthe chamber is a tube of non-,conducting material, closed by disks or heads i* of similar material, thus forming a junction box or chamber. In said junction box or charnber are heads or contact pieces i5, .I5 of some good electrical conducting material, such as platinum, .said .contact pieces being :respectively arranged upon the inner ends of metallic conductors i', is', extending through the bore sand chamber i. yA coiled spring 'i9 is provided between the plug i2 and diski to hold the junction box against a shoulder formed at the junction of the bore and chamber, the pressure of which spring may be regulated by adjusting the plug. The tube i3 is a little shorter than the combined length of the Ao'dntact pieces to allow the same to beV brought together by the action of thespring.- TheV conducting.

wires 4from the poles of the batteriesoonnect with theconductors of the respective trunnions e, andthe sets of connecting wires from the conductors i from the trunnion e atone side tothe motor and from the motor to the opposite trunnion e extend along thea rings at opposite sides of the 'instrument and are suitably supported thereby and insulated therefrom, the

letters j, 1:, l and rn. denoting the conducting at one side and j', b', l and rn the conducting wires at the opposite aide.

The indicating devices employed in conjunction with the circles or rings B, C and Dare shown in detail-in Figs. 6 to 9, inclusive. 'nf le devices coperate with an indicating device on the frame A, which comprisesa graduated circle J fixed to said -frame at an angle of 90 degrees from the trunnions a, a, said circle being graduated to degrees and half degrees from O to 180 to 0 and designed to be read to half minutes by a vernier J" secured by a bracket .l'l to the ring B, as clearly shown in Figs. 6 and 7. This graduated circle answers to the equator of the earth, itspurpose being to indicate the longitude. A graduated circle K is attached to theboutside of the ring B 90 degrees from the trunriions b, b. This'circle is graduated to degrees from 0 to'90 to 0 to 90 to 0, and is designed to be read to single minutes by means of a vemier K secured by a bracket K2 to the ring C opposite the weight D4 fixed to the ring D, said circle being so placed that the Vernier will read 9() degreesv when the ring B `lies in the plane of the ring C. A

third graduatedcircle L is attached to the outside of being graduated to degrees. A pointer 'or indicator l `L is attached to the ring D to cooperate with the "scale or circle L, the graduations on which range from 0to90to0to90to0,andisso-placedastoindicate 90 when the ring C and D are in the same plane. The graduated circle K answers to a. meridian circle and indicates the latitude, -while the circle L will indicate the bearing of the ship.

c In the practical use of the device, the axis d, d of the outer vertical circle B is fixed parallel to the center line of the ship, in alinement with the trunnions d, d which extend toward the bow and stern of the ship, the angle between it and-the vertical plane of the axis a, a, which is always in the meridian, being consequently the ybearing of the course upon which .the ship is sailing which may be conveniently read at all times on tho scale L through the medium of the pointer Lf. Since the frame A is freely adjustable to set its Aaxis parallel with the earths axis and the circles are also adjustable at angles to indicate in connection with the indicating devices thereon the latitudeandongtiude of the point of location of the vessel on the earths surface, it will be apparent that upon setting the axis oi the frame A parallel tothe earths axis and setting the gyroscopes into 'action to maintain said frame insuch position during the course of travel of the vessel, the relative movev ments of the rings produced by the action of gravitation and by the change oi position' of the vessel onthe earths surface will cause the indicating devices to be correspondingly affected to denote the latitude and longitude as well as the bearing of the ship. l

As an example, in the use of the instrument the latitude of the place 'from which the vessel starts will -be Y set off on the circle K and the longitude of the place set off on the circle J, so that upon setting the properbearing on the circle L the axis a, a will be revolved into thc plane of the meridian and will'be parallel to the earthsl axis. Upon starting the motor the gyroscopes will 'maintain the frame' A ill position so that -its axis lWill always be parallel' to the axis of the earth. Accordingly, as the ship moves from its Original position the component oi the ship s motion in latitude-maybe read on the circle K and its component in longitude may be determined from the circle J', while the bearing of the; ship will be shown on circle L.

As explanatory ofthe way of setting and mode of operationy of the device, suppose a vessel 'wereuat the -lio equatorin longitude509-W., the p lane H would be be indicated on the circle J.y 'Thelatitude being 0, the circle K would be `brought tothat reading by revolving about the axisb b, This reading 'would bring the axisa a horizontal. If'the ship be headed north the cime L on the4 ring C would be` rotated about the axis c c until the reading would be'Ob. This would bring the axis aa into the plane of the meridian. The axis a a would then be parallel to the earths axis. Let the gyroscopes be now start`ed,andv the axis ofthe indicator will b'e held parallel to the axis of the earth as long as the mo-' .tion of the gyroscopes is maintained.- .Because of the fact just stated the component of shps movement vin latitude will be shown on circle Kand the component in longitude will be shown on circle J. If it is found necessary to make a correction in longitude, due to the eartlis rotation 'on its axis, the time by chrononleter will give the necessary factor for making the correction. v e

' A general rule for setting-the indicator would be to rotate the `circle .l to the angle representing the longitude of the vessels location; rotate the circle K to the latitude and set ofi the bearing-of the ship on the circl L. The indicator will then be Weet. f f .The accuracy ofthe' indicator may be ltested from time to time during a voyage byreading the circles at the instant of the observation. The proper corrections may then be applied. i r v The device is not intended toentirelysupersede the compass or obviatethe necessity 9i making the' usual observations and calculations that are now necessary to determine the location of the vessel, although -the device Will enable such location to be determined with a fair degree of accuracy at any time, v

vThe device is oi value particularly' in cloudy and' stormy weather to'enable the'master to determine-the position ofthe ship when-observations cannot be made.

' Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new, is1:-'

1.' A nautical indicating device comprising a member'l adjustable to set its axis paralleL with vthe fesrtlfs axis, means for-maintaining said member in such position in the course of travel ofthe vessel, and. a plurality oLcoacting pairs of relatively movable angleindldatorscoperating' with said member and influenced bythe ,travel of thevessel, whereby'tlie position of the latter on the surface ot the. earth may be determined. n

i 1,2. A nautical indicating aevicg compagni iimembe: sa#

tathig meanswithinssid memberiolinxintaihing the sacme insuych positlonin thecoursefo! travel efwtbe vessel, v"and a plurality of enacting pairs ofrelativelymovsble angle' indicators coperatingwith' said-member and 'inlluencedAv lby the travel ofthe vessel,v wherebyithe position'A or the latjumble to grimms ponueiyitiithg euts rom# ing means fof minisini'ng nis in mh 0.1mm

in. unimi-wot travel" 'or thve'lelfeloetriedi driving i .noi-

rot'nting means, and l plurality o! pairs of relatively movable angle indicators co''irieratiug with said member and influenced by the travel of the vessel, whereby the position of the latter on the surface ot the earth may be determined.' v

4. A nautical indicating device comprising a member, adjustable to set its axis parallel with the carths axis, a gyroscope supported within said member'. for maintaining `the same in such position in the course of travel of the vessel, friction gearing lor driving the gyioscope, an electric motor for driving the friction gearing, means for -operating the gyi'oscope, and means coperatng with said member' and iniluenced by the travel of the vessel. whereby the positioi of the latter on the surface ot the earth may be determined.

, 5. A nautical indc ing device comprising a member adjustable to setlts axis arallel with the earth's axis, a gyroscope comprising a plurality of pairs of elements airangedto rotate in pl es perpendicular"to each otheiand. adapted to maintain aid member in such position in the course of. travel of the vesse1,` means for operating the gyroscope, and means coperating with said member andiniuenced by the travel of the vessel, whereby the position of the latter' on the'surface of the earth may be determined.^ 'v

6.' A nautical indicating device comprising a member adjustableto set its axis parillel with the earths axis, a gyi'oscope comprising a plurality f rotors rotating in planesperpendiculaito each other and supported by said member for mwaintaining the same in such position in thecourse of travel of the vessel, an electric motor housed within the gyroscope, electrical circuit connections therefor'to connect the same with an exterior source of electric energy,- gearing driven by the motor for actuating said rotors, and means coperatlng with said member and iniluenced by the travel of the vessel, whereby the position ofthe'lattei' on thesurface of the earth may be determined.

7. A nautical indicating device comprising a member adjustable to'set its axis parallel with the' earths axis, a gyroscope comprising a plurality of rotors rotating in planes perpendicular to each other for retaining said member' in such position in the course of travel of the vessel, a plurality ,of coperatng sets of relatively movable members arranged at an angle to each other, gravity means fori maintaining one of said members in a perpendicularl position, and copei'ating. indicating devices on the several members controlled by the relative movement thereof to' indicate the latitude, longitude andibearing of the vessel at any point in its course, whereby the position of the vessel on the surface of the earth may be determined.

8. A nautical indicating device comprising a frame adjustable tov set its axis parallel with 'the earths axis and provided with an indicating member, a gyroscope sup'- port'ed by said frame tor maintaining the same in suehiposition in 4the course oi'` travel .of the-vesseI,-.a plurality of frame? and` relatively adjustable to diiierent angles, said members-being provided with indicators to coact with each other and the indicator on the frame, whereby the bearing ofthe vessel and its' position on the earths surface may be determined, one .of said members beinggravity-controlled to maintain sdeterminate position, and means for driving ent relative angles tothe frame n ud to each other, gravity "means for maintaining one of-said members in-a perpendic- .nhnjposition coperating indicating devices on .the trame and :member hlfected'by the' change in the'mgulsr. relation thereofprodu'cedzby a relative mot-lm of the 'partldui'ing' the course of travel of thevesoehgwhereby th'eposition of thelltter on the earthssurfs may be determined, 'and driving` means) for operating the tronnan exterl 4unsern-oo nl .10. Afnsutioo indicating device -comprislng-s'lsupport obleto setits "axis parallel -vrit-h=the .elrth'ssxi`s, a gyroymembers arranged at au angle to each other and to the 146 pivotnlllyv mounted in stationary besrlnlmpntfame sdjustsc op'eemieasyin sie une inl such position during the travel of the vessel, means for operating the gyroscope,ta plurality of. rings pivotally connected with each other and with the frame and support,

said rings being arranged at diierent angles to each other and t0 the support, gravity means for normally maintain adjustable to set its axis parallel with the earths axis,v

meanscarried by said member for maintaining the same in such position in the course of travel of the vessel, a support for said member adjustable at an angle thereto, eo-

Aoperating indicating devices on the member and support for indicating degrees of longitude through their relative changes -in position, eoperating supports for the rst named support arranged at different angles thereto and to each other and adjustableY to different angular positions, coacting indicating 'devices carried' by said cooperating supports f or indicating degreesrof latitude .and the bearing of the vessel through their'relative changes in position, and means operative to effect variations in the angular positvions of the parts through the action of gravity -in the course of travel of the' vessel for influencing the respective indicating devices. l

12. A'nautical indicating device comprising a main horizontal ring having pivotal supports, an outer vvertical ring pivoted to the main horizontal ring, an inner vertical ring pivoted to the outer vertical ring and arranged at an angle thereto, an inner horizontal ring pivoted to said inner vertical ring at an angleto the axis of the horizontalring, gravity-controlled means for maintaining the outer vertical ring in a perpendicular position, a frame -pivotally supported within the inner horizontal ring for adjustment to set its axis parallel with the earths axis, means carried bysaid frame for maintaining the lsame in such position in the course-of. travely oi the vessel, and indicating devices on the frame and rings operative by 'variations in the relation of said parts in the travel of the vessel to indicate the bearing of the vessel and-latitude and longitude of the point of the earths surface on which the vessel is situated. lIn testimony whereof, I alx my signature in presence of two witnesses. l -'JAY D;- STANNARD.

'. Witnesses CHARLES S. WITBECK,

HOWARD S.'REED. 

